baseball

A baseball facility includes one or more baseball diamonds, each with a home plate and three bases marking the corners, a pitcher's mound in the center, and an outfield beyond the bases bounded by the first- and third-base lines. It may also include bleachers or a stadium for spectators, as well as dugout spaces to shelter idle or waiting players, warm-up areas, foul zones, press facilities, ticket vending areas, and fan concessions.

The game of baseball is played by two teams which take turns trying to advance players around the diamond. While a pitcher on one team throws balls past the home plate, players on the other team take turns attempting to bat the ball into play. Batters and players who have already advanced to a base can advance around the diamond as long as the ball is in play, or until they are forced out by a catch, a tag, or a fielder making it to a base with the ball.

The diamond and outfield form the essential playing arrangement. A softball field serves a related game with a generally smaller field and a larger, underhand-pitched ball. Spectator stands and concessions can accompany a baseball field but are not required for every facility.